Brassiere with carbon underwire

ABSTRACT

A brassiere includes a first brassiere cup having a first support structure. The first support structure includes a first set of at least two support segments separated by at least one first region that is free of the first set of at least two support segments. The first set of at least two support segments lining a bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup. The brassiere further includes a second brassiere cup having a second support structure. The second support structure includes a second set of at least two support segments separated by at least one second region that is free of the second set of at least two support segments. The second set of at least two support segments line a bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup. A center gore of the brassiere is coupled between the first brassiere cup and the second brassiere cup. The first set of at least two support segments and second set of at least two support segments comprises carbon graphite.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/748,666, filed on Oct. 22, 2018, and titled “BRASSIERE WITH CARBON UNDERWIRE,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to underwire for brassieres (or bras). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to brassieres with carbon underwire.

BACKGROUND

An underwire bra (also under wire bra, under-wire bra, or underwired bra) is a brassiere that utilizes a thin, semi-circular strip of rigid material fitted inside the brassiere fabric. The wire may be made of metal, plastic, or resin. It is sewn into the bra fabric and under each cup, from the center gore to under the wearer's armpit. The wire helps to lift, separate, shape, and support a woman's breasts. Many different brassiere designs incorporate an underwire, including shelf bras, demi bras, nursing bras, and bras built into other articles of clothing, such as tank tops, dresses, and swimsuits.

A bra without an underwire is a soft-cup bra. Underwire bras are occasionally linked to health conditions including breast pain, mastitis, and metal allergies. Women wearing an underwire bra have in a few rare instances been subjected to extra scrutiny when their bra sets off metal detectors at security checkpoints in airports or prisons.

Metals used for the underwire bra include steel and nickel titanium. When the underwire breaks through the bra fabric, it can cause tremendous discomfort. Because underwire can tear through cloth, most women hand-wash underwire brassieres or machine-wash them on a delicate cycle. Brassiere wash bags, usually zippered mesh pouches, can also be used to protect brassieres and prevent the underwire from separating from the brassiere during machine washing.

SUMMARY

A brassiere includes a first brassiere cup having a first support structure that lines a bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup. The brassiere further includes a second brassiere cup having a second support structure that lines a bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup. The first support structure and the second support structure includes carbon. A center gore of the brassiere is coupled between the first brassiere cup and the second brassiere cup.

A brassiere includes a first brassiere cup having a first support structure. The first support structure includes a first set of at least two support segments separated by at least one first region that is free of the first set of at least two support segments. The first set of at least two support segments lining a bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup. The brassiere further includes a second brassiere cup having a second support structure. The second support structure includes a second set of at least two support segments separated by at least one second region that is free of the second set of at least two support segments. The second set of at least two support segments line a bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup. A center gore of the brassiere is coupled between the first brassiere cup and the second brassiere cup.

This has outlined, rather broadly, the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a perspective view of a brassiere, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere with a J-shaped carbon based underwire, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere with an L-shaped carbon based support structure, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere with support structures in a different configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere with support structures in another configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere with support structures in yet another configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

When a support structure (e.g., underwire) is placed into a brassiere, the fabric sides of the brassiere pull the underwire out and cause the sides and the cup of a brassiere to form a cantilever which lifts the breast upwards from the base. As a result, in some cases, the straps of the brassiere become dispensable or are not needed for much support.

Most women have one breast larger than the other, but wires, of course, are identical to provide a more symmetrical base. The main function of the underwire is to push the breast into a certain shape. The breast is contained inside the wire outline and the breast volume is pushed into a chosen direction to give a certain appearance or fashion shape for a specific type of brassiere. Wires provide support in combination with a cradle and cup of the brassiere. Different wire types are intended to provide different shapes. Some underwires are carbonized steel with an outer coating of nylon and an extra coating on the ends. For example, the compositions of the underwires may include mild (low carbon) steel of approximately 0.05% to 0.25% carbon content with up to 0.4% manganese content (e.g., AISI 1018 steel). These underwires are weak (or less strong) but cheap and easy to shape. A surface hardness of these underwires can be increased through carburizing.

Some types of underwire shapes include balconette/day brassiere (or daily wear brassiere) shape, plunge shape, strapless shape, etc. The balconette/day brassiere shape is a J-shaped wire intended for all day wear without any special fashion aspects. The balconette/day brassiere shape wire is shorter in length than the other wire types, and so has a greater difference between the height of its two ends. The balconette/day brassiere shapes are used for balcony and balconette brassieres and fuller cup/everyday brassieres, respectively. The balconette/day brassiere shape is quite sympathetic to many women's natural breast root.

A plunge shape also known as a ‘rocker’ wire is banana shaped. Some are slightly more hooked at a center front end and others are like a curve of a banana. The wires are put into the brassiere at a sharp tilt and are primarily used in push-up/plunge and infrequently in demi and very low balconette brassieres. The wires for the plunge shape are designed to push the breast upwards and towards the center front, giving more prominent cleavage and deeper neckline.

A strapless shape includes a deep U-shaped wire, and about a same height at a side and center front ends. The goal of the strapless shape is to cause the breast to fall into the deep U shape, where it will be contained completely, supported from underneath, and projected forwards. A strapless brassiere needs to grip, contain, and constrain the breast more in order to provide support and to cause the breast to stay in place.

For some usages (e.g., D+ cup size) the brassiere wire is oval in cross section to improve comfort. D+ cup brassieres tend to use a sturdier wire construction with a deeper, flatter cross-section for added strength and rigidity. Some full bust brands also prefer a U-shaped wire, generally, as larger busts tend to be rounder.

Some other wire shapes include shallow demi wire_1, mono underwire (aka domino wire) and titanium memory wire. The mono underwire can be fully rigid or have a flexible silicone joint that is directed to a certain look rather than practical benefit. The titanium memory wire has a round cross section and has the advantage of being able to move in all directions with the body. The titanium memory wire can be squished up only to ping back into shape.

Underwire brassieres can rub and pinch the breast, causing skin irritation and breast pain. Additionally, the wire of a worn brassiere can protrude from the fabric and scrape or cut the skin. When the fabric of a worn brassiere exposes an underwire, skin contact with nickel and other metals may cause contact dermatitis in women.

Underwire brassieres, like other constrictive garments, may contribute to clogged milk ducts in lactating women. Fluctuating breast size during pregnancy poses another problem. Because underwire brassieres are rigid, they do not easily accommodate changes in breast size, and an ill-fitting brassiere that does not support the breasts correctly can cause discomfort and pain. For several days after a mastectomy, or as long as the breast is tender, a woman is advised not to use an underwire brassiere.

Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) on a patient in a metal underwire brassiere can cause burns, and the brassiere should be removed by the first responder before the AED is applied. A medical report documented that wearing an underwire brassiere in the tropics or tropical climates, e.g., east Africa, can lead to severe funicular myiasis of the breast caused by the tumbu fly. The eggs and larvae from this fly are deposited in clothing, especially along the length of the metal wires of an underwire brassiere, and can only be killed by applying heat through ironing. It is almost impossible when ironing a traditional underwire brassiere to achieve the required heat to kill the larvae deposited along the underwire.

Moreover, conventional underwires are made of low carbon content carbon steel. For example, the low carbon content carbon steel underwire contains around 0.05-0.320% carbon and is malleable and ductile. These low carbon content carbon steel underwires, however, suffer from yield-point runout and mild steel has a relatively low tensile strength.

Some conventional underwires use nickel, which belongs to the transition metals. Nickel is hard, ductile and considered corrosion-resistant because of its slow rate of oxidation at room temperature. It also boasts a high melting point and is magnetic at room temperature. However, handling nickel can result in symptoms of dermatitis among sensitized individuals.

Other conventional underwires use titanium which is corrosion resistant and has the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element. In its unalloyed state, titanium is as strong as some steels but less dense. Its relatively high melting point (more than 1,650° C. or 3,000° F.) makes it useful as a refractory metal. It is also paramagnetic and displays fairly low electrical and thermal conductivity. However, titanium is costly, and laborious processes are needed to extract titanium from its various ores.

To improve the underwire, some aspects of the present disclosure include composites of carbon. In one aspect, the composites or alloy of carbon used for the brassiere include medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, which balances ductility and strength with good wear resistance. Other aspects use high-carbon steel underwire that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon that is exceptionally strong. Yet another aspect uses ultra-high carbon steel underwire that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon that can be tempered for increased hardness.

To further improve the underwire, some aspects of the present disclosure use a substantially pure carbon. Carbon is very important to life because it bonds in so many different ways to form compounds used daily by the human body. Carbon fiber used in the underwire of the brassiere in the present disclosure is characterized by a distinct lightness and strength that make it a viable, versatile, and useful product for the underwire of the brassiere. Along with the strength and lightweight properties, the carbon fiber used for the underwire has numerous benefits. For example, the benefits of the carbon fiber and its composites used for the underwire described herein include: a unique and distinct appearance; excellent strength to weight ratio relative to conventional materials; compatibility with other materials (fiber, plastics, metals, wood, concrete); suitable for complex contours and designs; superior fatigue properties; high stiffness; high heat tolerance and resistance; flexible thermal and electrical properties; corrosion-resistance (with proper resins); varying classifications (tensile modulus) of strength; and strength (for example, the strongest carbon fiber is ten times (10×) stronger and five times (5×) lighter than steel, and the strongest carbon fiber is eight times (8×) stronger and one point five times (1.5×) lighter than aluminum).

In some aspects, the underwire is constructed from carbon fiber high gloss woven sheets. The carbon fiber high gloss woven sheets may be constructed using layers of unidirectional carbon fiber prepreg layed up in a 0/90 degree orientation with a single layer of 2×2 twill carbon fiber prepreg on each of the outside surfaces. Prepreg is a term for a reinforcing fabric which has been pre-impregnated with a resin system. This resin system (typically epoxy) already includes the proper curing agent. As a result, the prepreg is ready to lay into the mold without the addition of any more resin. The carbon fiber high gloss woven sheets are manufactured using 100% real carbon fiber fabric pre-impregnated with high quality epoxy resin, these sheets are cured at high temperatures and pressure to ensure a strong, rigid product that cannot be re-shaped after cured. These carbon fiber high gloss woven sheets are manufactured using a clear, resin-rich carbon fiber prepreg which results in a smooth, low porosity laminate with a mirror-like finish.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to brassieres (or bras) with carbon underwire. In some aspects, the carbon underwire may be segmented. For example, the carbon underwire may include segmented/separated support structures made of carbon or a combination of materials that is dominated by carbon. For example, the alloy includes medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, high-carbon steel that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or ultra-high carbon steel that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the whole underwire and/or the segmented support structures of the underwire includes carbon or carbon graphite. For example, the brassiere includes a first brassiere cup, a second brassiere cup and a center gore coupled between the first brassiere cup and the second brassiere cup. The first brassiere cup includes a first support structure. The first support structure includes a first set of at least two support segments separated by at least one first region that is free of the first set of at least two support segments. The first set of at least two support segments line a bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup.

The second brassiere cup includes a second support structure. The second support structure includes a second set of at least two support segments separated by at least one second region that is free of the second set of at least two support segments. The second set of at least two support segments line a bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup. The support segments are made of carbon, carbon fiber, or an alloy of carbon including medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, high-carbon steel that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or ultra-high carbon steel that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a perspective view of a brassiere 100, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The brassiere 100 includes a first end 101 a and a second end 101 b, a first brassiere cup 122 a within the first end 101 a, and a second brassiere cup 122 b within the second end 101 b, a gore 112 connected to each of the first brassiere cup 122 a and the second brassiere cup 122 b, between the first brassiere cup 122 a and the second brassiere cup 122 b. The brassiere 100 optionally includes a first brassiere strap 102 a connected to the first brassiere cup 122 a within the first end 101 a, and a second brassiere strap 102 b connected to the second brassiere cup 122 b within the second end 101 b. Each brassiere cup 122 a and 122 b is contour shaped with a side panel 110 and an apex substantially matching a breast to receive the breast in a natural bust point position 120. In one aspect, the first brassiere cup 122 a and the second brassiere cup 122 b are made of woven or tricot knit fabric, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, lycra, nylon, spandex, lace, satin, or other suitable materials.

The brassiere 100 further includes a first wing or torso band 108 a and a second wing or torso band 108 b, where the first torso band 108 a and the second torso band 108 b are coupled to a band adjuster. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the band adjuster may be used to adjust the brassiere 100. For example, the band adjuster may be a combination of eye connections 114 attached at a peripheral region of the first torso band 108 a and hooks 104 attached at a peripheral region of the second torso band 108 b. The hooks 104 of the second torso band 108 b may be attached to different levels of the eye connections 114 to increase or reduce a size of the brassiere 100.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hooks 104 and the eye connections 114 are made of carbon or an alloy of carbon including medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, high-carbon steel that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or ultra-high carbon steel that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon. Furthermore, the brassiere 100 includes an underarm region 106, a first underband section 128 a, a second underband section 128 b, and sliders 116. The sliders 116 are configured to adjust the length of the first strap 102 a and the second brassiere strap 102 b. The sliders 116 include carbon or an alloy of carbon including medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, high-carbon steel that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or ultra-high carbon steel that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the brassiere 100 includes under support sections. For example, the under support sections include a support structure (not shown). The support structure is a substantially semi-circular underwire embedded in the under support sections that circles a bottom and sides of each of the first brassiere cup 122 a and the second brassiere cup 122 b. A first under support section 118 a is close to a front and center of the brassiere 100, and a second under support section 118 b is close to the underarm region 106. The underwire is configured to contour the natural shape of breasts. The support structure is continuous or segmented.

To improve the underwire, some aspects of the present disclosure use a medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% carbon that balances ductility and strength with good wear resistance. Other aspects of the present disclosure use a high-carbon steel underwire that has a 0.6-0.99% carbon content and is exceptionally strong. Some aspects of the present disclosure use an ultra-high carbon steel underwire that contains 1.0-2.0% carbon that can be tempered for increased hardness.

To further improve the underwire, some aspects of the present disclosure use substantially pure carbon. For example, the under support sections 118 a and 118 b include carbon or carbon fiber underwire. The carbon fiber used in the underwire of the brassiere 100 in the present disclosure is characterized by a distinct lightness and strength that make it a viable, versatile, and useful product for the underwire of the brassiere 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere 200 with J-shaped carbon based support structure or underwires, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Similar to the brassiere 100, the brassiere 200 includes straps 202, a center gore 212, and first and second brassiere cups 222 a and 222 b. For illustrative purposes, each J-shaped carbon based support structure or underwire is exposed. However, in practice, each J-shaped carbon based underwire is embedded in an under support section that circles a bottom and sides of each of the first brassiere cup 222 a and the second brassiere cup 222 b. The under support section includes a first under support section 218 a associated with the first brassiere cup 222 a and a second under support section 218 b associated with the second brassiere cup 222 b.

For example, the first brassiere cup 222 a includes a first support structure 203 a lining a bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup 222 a. The second brassiere cup 222 b includes a second support structure 203 b lining a bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup 222 b. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first support structure 203 a and the second support structure 203 b are made of carbon or an alloy of carbon including medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, high-carbon steel that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or ultra-high carbon steel that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon. The first support structure 203 a and/or the second support structure 203 b are structured in accordance with a J configuration or medial configuration.

The first support structure 203 a is embedded in a section of the first under support section 218 a that is close to a front and center (e.g., the center gore 212) of the brassiere 200. The second support structure 203 b is embedded in a section of the second under support section 218 b that is close to a front and center (e.g., the center gore 212) of the brassiere 200. The first support structure 203 a and/or the second support structure 203 b, respectively, extend from a position proximal to the center gore 212 to a position proximal to a first underband section 228 a and a second underband section 228 b in accordance with the J configuration. For example, a stitch 224 separates the first support structure 203 a embedded in the first under support section 218 a from the rest of the first under support section 218 a that is close to an underarm region 206. The first underband section 228 a and the second underband section 228 b include one or more support structures made of carbon or an alloy of carbon including medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, high-carbon steel that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or ultra-high carbon steel that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a brassiere 300 with an L-shaped carbon based support structure 303, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The brassiere 300 is separated into its component parts for illustrative purposes. The brassiere 300 includes a wing or torso band 308 and under support sections 318 a and 318 b that circle a bottom and sides of a brassiere cup 322. For illustrative purposes, the L-shaped carbon based support structure 303 is exposed. However, in practice, the L-shaped carbon based support structure 303 is embedded in an under support section 318 a or the under support section 318 b.

The under support sections 318 a and 318 b define a channel between lines 305 a and 305 b. For example, the channel in which the support structures (e.g., the L-shaped carbon based support structure 303) are embedded include pockets defined by stitches. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the under support sections 318 a and 318 b and their corresponding channels may be separated by a closure 324 (e.g., stitches or elastic for flexibility). For example, the under support section 318 b includes the L-shaped carbon based support structure 303 while the under support section 318 a is free of the L-shaped carbon based support structure 303. Of course, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the L-shaped carbon based support structure 303 may be in one or both of the under support sections 318 a and 318 b. The L-shaped carbon based support structure 303 extends from a position proximal to an underarm region 306 of the brassiere 300 to a position proximal to an underband section 328 of the brassiere 300 in accordance with the L configuration.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an underband section 328 of the brassiere 300 defines an underband channel between lines 307 a and 307 b. The underband section 328 includes an additional support structure (not shown) to provide further support for the brassiere 300. Similar to the J-shaped carbon based support structures 203 (shown in FIG. 2) and the L-shaped carbon based support structure 303, the additional support structure includes carbon or an alloy of carbon including medium carbon steel containing between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, high-carbon steel that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or ultra-high carbon steel that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon. Although not shown, the additional support structure may be embedded into different sections of the underband section 328 (e.g., separated by a closure such as stitches or elastic for flexibility) where some sections of the underband section 328 may be free of the additional support structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere 400 with support structures in a different configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The brassiere 400 is similar to the brassiere 200 of FIG. 2. For example, similar to the brassiere 200, the the brassiere 400 includes straps 402, a center gore 412, first and second brassiere cups 422 a and 422 b, a first underband section 428 a, a second underband section 428 b, an underarm region 406, and a carbon based support structure.

The carbon based support structure includes a first carbon based support segment 403 a, a second carbon based support segment 403 b, a third carbon based support segment 403 c, and a fourth carbon based support segment 403 d. The first carbon based support segment 403 a, the second carbon based support segment 403 b, the third carbon based support segment 403 c, and the fourth carbon based support segment 403 d are embedded in under support sections (e.g., the first under support section 218 a and/or the second under support section 218 b of FIG. 2) and arranged according to the different configuration. For illustrative purposes, the support segments 403 a-403 d are exposed.

For example, the support structure of the first brassiere cup 422 a includes the first carbon based support segment 403 a and the second carbon based support segment 403 b is separated by a separation region 430 a that is free of the support segments. For example, the first carbon based support segment 403 a and the second carbon based support segment 403 b are respectively separated from the separation region 430 a by stitches 424 a and 424 b. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first carbon based support segment 403 a and the second carbon based support segment 403 b line a lower periphery of the first brassiere cup 422 a. The periphery is lower relative to an upper periphery 409 a of the brassiere 400. The term upper or lower can be switched based on the orientation of the brassiere 400.

Similarly, the support structure of the second brassiere cup 422 b includes the third carbon based support segment 403 c and the fourth carbon based support segment 403 d separated by a separation region 430 b that is free of the support segments. For example, the third carbon based support segment 403 c and the fourth carbon based support segment 403 d are respectively separated from the separation region 430 b by stitches 424 c and 424 d. The third carbon based support segment 403 c and the fourth carbon based support segment 403 d line a lower periphery of the second brassiere cup 422 b. The periphery is lower relative to an upper periphery 409 b of the brassiere 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere 500 with support structures in another configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the brassiere 500 is separated into its component parts. For illustrative purposes, some of the labelling and numbering of the features of FIG. 5 are similar to those of FIG. 3. For example, similar to the brassiere 300 of FIG. 3, the brassiere 500 includes a torso band 308, the brassiere cup 322, the underband section 328, and the underarm region 306.

The brassiere 500 also includes under support sections 518 a, 518 b, 518 c, 518 d, 518 e, 518 f, and 518 g that circle a bottom and sides of the brassiere cup 322. In one aspect, each of the under support sections 518 a, 518 b, 518 c, 518 d, 518 e, 518 f, and 518 g are separated from the other under support sections by one or more stitches 524 a, 524 b, 524 c, 524 d, 524 e, and 524 f. For example, the under support section 518 c is separated from the under support sections 518 b by the stitch 524 b and separated from the under support sections 518 d by the stitch 524 c. The brassiere 500 also includes carbon based support segments 503 a, 503 b, 503 c, 503 d, 503 e, 503 f, and 503 g, respectively, embedded in the under support sections 518 a, 518 b, 518 c, 518 d, 518 e, 518 f, and 518 g.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the carbon based support segments or support structures described herein (with respect to all the FIGURES) is removably embedded in an under support section. For example, the under support section 518 a includes a defined access or opening 507 through which the carbon based support segment 503 a can be removed or replaced. The opening 507 can be sealable or retractable to prevent the carbon based support segment 503 a from sliding out of the under support section 518 a. That is, the opening can be closed and opened to insert or remove the carbon based support segment 503 a. For illustrative purposes, the opening 507 is defined by dashed lines over a portion of the carbon based support segment 503 a. Optionally, one or more openings 507 may be defined in other regions of the under support sections 518 a, 518 b, 518 c, 518 d, 518 e, 518 f, and 518 g.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the carbon based support segments described herein (with respect to all the FIGURES) can vary in length, size, or rigidity to improve comfort, especially for women with different breast sizes, and to accommodate the wearer of the brassiere. For example, the carbon based support segments 503 a, 503 b, 503 f, and 503 g may have a shorter length relative to the length of the carbon based support segments 503 c, 503 d, and 503 e. The carbon based support segments 503 c, 503 d, and 503 e may have a longer length and bigger size to improve support at a portion of the brassiere 500 where a weight of the breast is concentrated.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a brassiere 600 with support structures in yet another configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the brassiere 600 is separated into its component parts. For illustrative purposes, some of the labelling and numbering of the features of FIG. 6 are similar to those of FIG. 3. For example, similar to the brassiere 300 of FIG. 3, the brassiere 600 includes a torso band 308, the brassiere cup 322, the underband section 328, and the underarm region 306.

The brassiere 600 also includes one or more under support sections 618 that circle a bottom and sides of the brassiere cup 322. The brassiere 600 also includes carbon based support segments 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 603 d, and 603 e embedded in the one or more under support sections 618. In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the carbon based support segments 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 603 d, and 603 e is separated from the other carbon based support segments by one or more gaps or spaces 626 a, 626 b, 626 c, and 626 d defined in the one or more under support sections 618. For example, the carbon based support segment 603 b is separated from the carbon based support segment 603 a, by the gap 626 a and separated from the carbon based support segments 603 c by the gap 626 b.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the carbon based support segments or support structures described herein is removably embedded in the one or more under support sections 618. For example, the carbon based support segment 603 c can be removed or replaced via a defined opening 607. In one aspect, the opening 607 can be retractable to prevent the carbon based support segment 603 c from sliding out of the one or more under support sections 618. For illustrative purposes, the opening 607 is defined by dashed lines within the gap 626 c. In practice the opening 607, can be defined in other areas of the one or more under support sections 618.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, at least some of the gaps or spaces 626 a, 626 b, 626 c, and 626 d may include a retractable material (e.g., elastic) to provide flexibility to the brassiere 600. In other aspects, the gaps or spaces may include a combination of stitches and elastic to provide flexibility and well-defined under support sections to accommodate the carbon based support segments 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 603 d, and 603 e. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A brassiere comprising: a first brassiere cup having a first support structure that lines a bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup; a second brassiere cup having a second support structure that lines a bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup, the first support structure and the second support structure comprising carbon; and a center gore coupled between the first brassiere cup and the second brassiere cup.
 2. A brassiere comprising: a first brassiere cup having a first support structure, the first support structure comprising a first set of at least two support segments separated by at least one first region that is free of the first set of at least two support segments, the first set of at least two support segments lining a bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup; a second brassiere cup having a second support structure, the second support structure comprising a second set of at least two support segments separated by at least one second region that is free of the second set of at least two support segments, the second set of at least two support segments lining a bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup; and a center gore coupled between the first brassiere cup and the second brassiere cup.
 3. The brassiere of claim 2, further comprising a torso band coupled to the bottom periphery of the first brassiere cup and the bottom periphery of the second brassiere cup.
 4. The brassiere of claim 2, wherein one of the at least one first region between a first support segment and a second support segment of the first set of at least two support segments comprises a first closure to separate the first support segment from the second support segment.
 5. The brassiere of claim 4, wherein the first closure comprises stitches, elastic, or a combination thereof.
 6. The brassiere of claim 4, wherein the first support segment and the second support segment are configured to fit into pockets defined by stitches.
 7. The brassiere of claim 4, further comprising a first set of closures, including the first closure, around the first support segment to secure the first support segment within a first enclosed region and a second set of closures, including the first closure, around the second support segment to secure the second support segment within a second enclosed region.
 8. The brassiere of claim 7, wherein each of the first enclosed region and the second enclosed region comprises an access to remove and/or replace each of the first support segment and the second support segment.
 9. The brassiere of claim 2, wherein one of the at least one second region between a third support segment and a fourth support segment of the second set of at least two support segments comprises a second closure to separate the third support segment from the fourth support segment.
 10. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the second closure comprises stitches, elastic or a combination thereof.
 11. The brassiere of claim 9, further comprising a third set of closures, including the second closure, around the third support segment to secure the third support segment within a third enclosed region and a fourth set of closures, including the second closure, around the fourth support segment to secure the fourth support segment within a fourth enclosed region.
 12. The brassiere of claim 11, wherein each of the third enclosed region and the fourth enclosed region comprises an access to remove and/or replace each of the third support segment and the fourth support segment.
 13. The brassiere of claim 2, in which the first set of at least two support segments and second set of at least two support segments comprises carbon graphite.
 14. The brassiere of claim 2, in which the first set of at least two support segments and the second set of at least two support segments comprises carbon or an alloy of carbon including medium carbon steel including between 0.30-0.59% of carbon, a high-carbon steel content that has 0.6-0.99% of carbon, or an ultra-high carbon steel content that contains 1.0-2.0% of carbon.
 15. The brassiere of claim 2, wherein the first support structure and/or the second support structure are structured in accordance with a J configuration or an L configuration.
 16. The brassiere of claim 15, wherein the J configuration is a medial configuration and the L configuration is a lateral configuration.
 17. The brassiere of claim 15, wherein the first support structure and/or the second support structure extend from a position proximal to the center gore to a position proximal to an under-band of the brassiere in accordance with the J configuration.
 18. The brassiere of claim 15, wherein the first support structure and/or the second support structure extend from a position proximal to an underarm region of the brassiere to a position proximal to an under-band of the brassiere in accordance with the L configuration.
 19. The brassiere of claim 2, wherein the first brassiere cup and the second brassiere cup comprise full, demi, plunge, unified, or other structure.
 20. The brassiere of claim 2, wherein the first support structure and/or the second support structure comprises smoothed or rounded tips. 